PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MASTER SYLLABUS
CONCERT CHORALE
MUS 1511
Class Hours: 4.0   Credit Hours: 2.0  
Laboratory Hours: 3.0   Date Revised: Spring 00  
       
Catalog Course Description:    
  A non-auditioned chorale ensemble that performs musical literature of various styles appropriate for a large mixed group. Emphasis will be on developing healthy vocal technique, ensemble skills and performance practice knowledge. Students will be required to purchase performance apparel. May be repeated for credit.
Entry Level Standards:    
  The student should possess a desire to sing with the group.  The ability to read music is desirable but not required.
Prerequisites:    
   None
Textbook(s) and Other Reference Materials Basic to the Course:  
  Music will be furnished by and remains the property of the department. 
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:    
  Week  Topic
  1 Introduction to course;  vocal exercises;  music purchase/loan arrangements for semester.
  2 Begin rehearsal of literature for semester study; emphasize vocal technique,  posture, score marking etc.
  3 Continue as above; introduction of music; sight-reading skills.
  4 Continue learning notes and words of all music presented to date.
  5 Present concept of vowel unification; sight-reading skills.
  6 Continue work on literature; vowel  unification; sight-reading.
  7 Present concept of phrase-shaping.
  8-9 Reinforce concept of phrase-shaping; and continue as in above--the study of techniques and literature is cumulative.
  10 Introduce concept of appropriate historical considerations and performances practice in relation to literature being prepared.
  11 Continue polishing; reinforcement of all  musical concepts introduced.
  12-13 Continue as above; outside performance opportunities.
  14 Continue as above; Semester Concert.
  15 Turn in music;  do bookkeeping and paperwork; view video tapes of concert and comment on ways to improve performances.
  16 Final Exam Period
II. Course Objectives*:    
  A. Demonstrate proper techniques of vocal  production, i.e. posture, vowel unification, phrasing.  II, III, IV
  B. Acquire and utilize knowledge of group dynamics, i.e. working as a team toward a common goal.  II, III, IV
  C. Develop and demonstrate an understanding of historical considerations for performance practices. I, II, III, IV
  D. Develop and demonstrate appropriate performance decorum in front of an audience.  I, II, III, IV
  E. Evidence an understanding of the basic elements of music and associated terminology important to the preparation of a choral score.  I, II, III
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the Liberal Arts department.
III. Instructional Processes*:     
Students will:      
  1. Participate in group vocal activities in order to develop the requisite vocal skills needed for the performance of choral music.  Communication Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Transitional Strategy
  2. Participate in structured class discussions dealing with the cultural implications of selected choral music. Communication Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Information Literacy Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
  3. Interact with the conductor and other members of the ensemble in understanding selected choral repertoire and in performing it musically and effectively. Communication Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Perform appropriate vocal exercises to warm up the voice prior to performance.  A
2. Recognize and follow basic directions in musical scores, i.e. dynamic markings, repeat signs, tempo indications, etc.  E
3. Apply proper performance practices for the literature being performed.  C
4. Work as a member of a team toward presentation of a successful choral performance.  A, B, C,  D, E
5. Relate repertoire pieces to the appropriate culture and historical context.  C, E
6. Perform in public with a choral group demonstrating poise and self-confidence.  A, B, D, E
7. Apply techniques of  vocal production, posture, and vowel placement to achieve a healthy, pleasant singing quality.  A
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
Evaluation Procedures:
One hundred percent of the grade for this course is determined by attendance and participation in the classroom and in scheduled performances.  Attendance will be graded as follows:

Class Absences:
A:    3 or less
B:    4-5 absences
C:    6-7 absences
D:    8-9 absences
F:    10 or more

Class Tardies:
No penalty first three times; 1 point subtracted from final grade for each subsequent tardy.

Concert Absences:
Pre-arranged  excused absence: no penalty
Excused absence:  1 letter grade
Unexcused absence:  2 letter grades
“No Show”:  AUTOMATIC FAILURE
Excused absences consist of serious illness, accident or death in the immediate family.
Unexcused absences consist of having to work, forgetting, trips,  vacations and lack of transportation. A “No Show” is when the student is aware of the concert but shows total disregard for instructor and ensemble by not showing up for the event.

VI. Policies:
Attendance Policy:
REQUIRED!  Roll will be taken.  Excused absences will be at the discretion of the instructor.  Students are responsible for work missed due to absence.  Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course.